Zoo Jobs Require a Special Skillset
Landing a zookeeper job is hard without any training. So many people want to work in zoos that employers can have the pick of the litter when it comes to job applicants, and that usually means they choose people with some sort of certification or experience with animals.
Zookeeper assistants work with animals but do not have to have the college degree required of head zookeepers. If you love animals, being a zookeeper assistant can be a dream job. Zookeepers rely heavily on them to perform much of the same work they do.
Zookeeper assistant jobs involve animal care, animal behavior, conservation and education. Common zookeeper assistant job tasks include cleaning, feeding, watering, exercising and/or training the animals under the direct supervision of one or more higher-ranking zookeepers.
“How much do zookeeper assistants make?” you’re probably wondering. The current average is around $40,821 per year, and the job does not require years of schooling.
Zookeeper Job Training
Since zookeeper jobs are competitive, having specialized training can set you apart. Animal Behavior College’s online Zookeeper Assistant Program, which takes about eight months, equips you with the knowledge and skills to excel. As an ABC-certified Zookeeper Assistant, you’ll be well-prepared to meet the demands of the job and attract the attention of potential employers.
The ABC program covers essential topics like exotic animal care, behavior and training, conservation, breeding programs, and safety. Graduates leave with a comprehensive understanding of what working in a zoo entails, making them strong candidates in the field.
How Do I Make Myself Stand Out?
Completing a zookeeper assistant course will show prospective employers that you are serious about the profession and that you have a good base of knowledge. ABC offers a zookeeper assistant program that will prepare you for a career working in a zoo and will make employers take notice of you. Earning your certification could help you stand out as a job candidate who is serious about working in the profession.
ABC’s program covers the nuts and bolts of how to become a zookeeper assistant. Among other topics, coursework includes:
- Exotic animal housing and exhibits
- Animal health
- Zoo conservation and breeding programs
- Exotic animal behavior, enrichment, and training
- Daily zookeeping routines and husbandry
- Zookeeping safety
- Zoo visitor education and relations
Upon completion of the program, graduates receive professional certification as an Animal Behavior College Certified Zookeeper Assistant (ABCZA).
Does ABC Offer Any Alumni Support?
ABC is invested in the success of our graduates. We provide a private job postings site, and we can help you build your resume and hone strong interview skills. Also, as an ABC graduate, you will have lifetime access to our curriculum should you need to refresh your memory or update your knowledge. Lifetime access to your zookeeper assistant curriculum may prove to be invaluable, especially if after becoming a certified zookeeper assistant you decide to continue your learning to someday pursue a degree for a formal zookeeper career. You will also have the opportunity to join our ABC Alumni group. This group consists of over 28,000 graduates from all of our animal related programs. At times it can be a very small and interconnected world and having connections to thousands of animal career professionals might be very helpful for networking and making lifelong professional connections.
Sounds Great! When Can I Get Started?
As a distance learning program, ABC offers open enrollment, so you never have to wait to begin classes! You can complete your certification in as little as eight months. To take the first step toward a great career working with exotic animals, large and small, call us at 800-795-3294 and set up an interview with an admissions counselor.
